sedimentary

Polished honey onyx

Banded calcite (CaCO₃), commonly sold as “onyx marble”

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 3 on the Mohs scale; translucent cream, white, and honey-yellow bands with vitreous to silky luster. Rhombohedral calcite crystals, perfect rhombohedral cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.7; the visible hole indicates it is a drilled pendant or cabochon.

Identified August 23, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Deposited as layered calcite in caves, hot springs, or other carbonate-rich waters, commonly during the Cenozoic. It is cut and polished for decorative use; despite its trade name, it is not quartz onyx.

Uses & applications

Used for carvings, ornaments, cabochons, beads, countertops, wall panels, and interior decoration. Its softness makes it unsuitable for high-wear rings unless carefully protected.

Geological facts

Yellow coloration usually comes from iron oxides or hydroxides; parallel translucent banding is characteristic of calcite “onyx.” It reacts and may fizz with dilute hydrochloric acid or vinegar, though testing a finished piece can etch it.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its soft surface, translucent curved or parallel bands, calcite cleavage, and acid reaction; distinguish it from quartz by hardness—steel can scratch calcite but not quartz. Common commercial sources include Mexico, Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran.